Washington — Democratic Senator Cory Booker embarked on an extensive speech during the Senate session overnight, extending into the early hours of Tuesday as part of his protest against the policies of the Trump administration.
At 55 years old and a member of the Senate since 2013, Booker, who currently holds the position of the fourth-ranking Democrat, began his address around 7 p.m. on Monday, declaring he would speak “for as long as I am physically able.” Even as dawn broke on Tuesday, he remained on the Senate floor delivering his speech.
Throughout his remarks, Booker referenced influential figures such as the late congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis, who he noted stood firm “when this country was facing crossroads and crises.”
“I rise today in a rather extraordinary way,” Booker stated, drawing on Lewis’ call to “get in good trouble, necessary trouble, to help redeem the soul of America.”
“This evening, I rise with the aim of creating some good trouble,” he affirmed, vowing to interrupt the usual proceedings of the Senate. “I rise tonight because I genuinely believe our nation is in crisis… These are not ordinary times in America, and they shouldn’t be treated as such.”
More than 12 hours into his speech, Booker was still addressing the Senate. The New Jersey Democrat utilized part of this time to read letters from constituents adversely affected by the Trump administration’s policies while criticizing the administration on various fronts—including trade wars, mass layoffs, deportations, and challenges to Medicaid.
Throughout the night, Booker occasionally ceded the floor to fellow Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Andy Kim of New Jersey, Peter Welch of Vermont, Dick Durbin of Illinois, and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who voiced their support for his concerns regarding the administration.
After 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Booker noted the 12 hours that had elapsed, remarking that he was “wide awake” and would “remain here for as many hours as I can.”
